OutRun2

The best kind of sequel, one that pushes the series forward while retaining everything that made it great in the first place. It's a shame that some people won't dig its goofy style, because OutRun2 is a superb arcade driving game and the best sequel Sega's done in years.

The controls compliment the gameplay, while the graphics add some style to it, and the music finishes off the game’s unique atmosphere.

The arcade mode is a bit short, and the challenges tend to be repetitive, but the Xbox Live play and great gameplay, audio and visuals, make up for it.

This title is a very rare breed - an arcade update of a treasured original that not only dignifies its memory but actually improves upon the formula.

Even after all these years OutRun’s core-dynamics have virtually remained unchanged. The new, slicker looking OutRun retains that Sega magic, something that eludes most games nowadays, so it’s testament to both Sumo and Sega for bringing something that’s plain fun to pick up and play.

The fact that it's more of an arcade racer and not nearly as aggressive as "Burnout 3" makes it a game for players who want a more chilled, yet still very entertaining drive. As far as sheer quality of production is concerned, it comes very close to beating its rival, being incredibly polished on all fronts.

What has struck me most about Outrun2 is that Sega has designed the entire game around the original single-player arcade game, complete with slick car and cute girlfriend in the passenger seat, branching track levels, and yes, that familiar music. It's the same game I remembered playing so long ago, but with a total graphical upgrade for starters, and so much more under the hood!

The game is charming in its simplicity. [Holiday 2004, p.80]

While gamers looking for serious meticulously realistic racing will probably be disappointed with the physics in the game, those looking for a fast smooth arcade racing game should have a great time.

It's easy to see how far games have come in the last 18 years when you play OutRun 2 (especially as the original game is included on the disc), but its nice to know that Sega hasn't felt the need to overhaul the timeless gameplay.

The game will be forever known as an arcade treasure in years to come with its stunning landscapes that will send many racers around the world to find and to drool over the cars they wish they could have.

Straight console junkies may find it a bit vapid, but the rest of the world’s gamers- those of us who have gamed in arcades before, will most likely find OutRun 2 invigorating.

While it may not offer the sophistication of other racing games on the market, OutRun2 has an old-school sensibility that makes it both appealing and addictive. A wealth of content and an online mode add to the game's great value as well.

The way the developers of both the arcade game and this Xbox port have gone about retaining the heritage of the series truly adds to the game. It really is a homage to one of the best racing games of all time, and that's what makes it such a great game.

The amazingly sensitive control and superb supernatural powerslides make this a totally refreshing alternative to any racing game around.

The feel of the game is almost exactly what you'd get at the arcade, without the sense of loss over all the money you're spending. The game is fast, exciting and fun – but one of the best parts about racing games is going at it with your friends and a good multiplayer mode is what this racer is sorely lacking.

Outrun 2 may not be the best racer out there but the infusion of nostalgia, speed and fun make for a satisfying arcade racing experience.

You should know that underneath the veneer of simplicity lies a deeply challenging game. Where other racing games pack their challenge into deciding what mods to make, what car to use and requires hours perfecting the handling, Outrun 2 simply challenges you to know the track, know your line and drive your best. And it's much easier said than done.

This sturdy racing game features solid racing mechanics and a decent sense of speed, but it's a little unapologetically corny at times.

So OutRun2, a one trick pony it most certainly is, but what a thoroughbred of a pony!

An old-school racer with an immense amount of charm, although we'd still recommend "Burnout 3" in favour of it -- just.

Be aware, however, that OutRun2 is very loyal to its ancestry, so if you’re expecting all the latest bells and whistles in a console racer, you will be disappointed.

It's old-school arcade racing of the Daytona/Ridge Racer kind, where shaving milliseconds off lap times is the real reward.

If you're looking for an accurate representation of the arcade machine, you'll find it here, and you'll be more than pleased with the experience.

OutRun2 is not a game that you will spend hours playing at one sitting, but you will experience lots of very happy five-minute bursts.

Much of the game's undeniable thrill stems from the giddy car handling, which enables players to slide gracefully around corners at ridiculous speed.

An experience every bit as thrilling, addictive, and shallow as the original. [Dec 2004, p.92]

OutRun 2’s heady caricature of driving is some kind of high-water mark for how much beautifully slick, instantly fluid and, thanks to the excellent use of joypad rumble, gloriously tangible play can be squeezed into five minutes of flamboyant autoerotica. [Nov 2004, p.98]

"Burnout 3" may have surpassed our expectations in a number of areas, but it's worth remembering that OutRun2 falls short in terms of longevity, not play mechanics. When it comes to speed and immediacy it's easily comparable, the handling is something else entirely, and in technical terms there's only one truly beautiful journey between the two games, and it's taken in a Ferrari.

Sumo has realised that for all their outstanding visuals and exhilarating gameplay (which OutRun 2 has in spades), games also need to be fun, and we defy you not to have a huge grin on your face as you take your third corner in a row, or nail that perfect racing line. [Nov 2004, p.110]

A return to simplicity that deserves mention for its unique qualities, no matter how quirky the mainstream gamer may find them to be.

When I look at Outrun2 I see a game that may not be as spectacular as some games on the market, but it really does an amazing job of creating an impressive arcade style flair that really does wonders for the game.

A fantastic sequel, but the age of the franchise definitely shows.

Strikes a powerful blow against racers that aspire to be something quite other than a videogame. Providing the player instead with an incredibly simple and enjoyable, basic playing experience.

Maintaining that ‘edge of control’ feeling while sliding around corners and through the gaps in traffic is a special feeling that only a game such as Outrun2 can supply.

While it doesn’t have the complexity or depth to compete with the likes of Burnout 3, it easily holds its own in the arcade race arena. Looks like the glory days still have some glory left in ‘em after all.

Similarly appealing are the game's various challenges, like trying to impress your date by drifting; you know you're doing well because all these hearts are flying out of your car. [Nov 2004, p.75]

In many ways OutRun 2 is undone on Xbox Live by the mere fact that the core gameplay wasn't designed for competitive racing.

OutRun fan boys rejoice—everyone else proceed with caution.

There's an undeniable appeal to nailing that perfect drift, sliding in past the finish line with just a few seconds to spare. Especially in a Ferrari with a cute girl in the passenger seat.

The bottom-line is that Out Run 2 is a great game for arcade thrills, and how can you hate driving a Ferrari with a babe by your side, eh?

A thrilling experience that, despite its lack of features, is a great game to play in short bursts.

The disappointing lack of traffic [online] means you'll need at least four competitors on a course to prevent boredom. [Dec 2004, p.123]

Linking one impossibly huge slide after another can be intense and fun, but the weird, floaty physics would probably make more sense in a game about racing ATVs on the moon. [Holiday 2004, p.134]

While OutRun 2 has some moments (when the Viagra takes hold) where it's "still got it," the game is pretty much past its prime. [Dec 2004, p.183]

Despite its flaws, OutRun 2 is the epitome of arcade racing. The controls are ridiculously simple, there's absolutely no attention paid to car or player damage, and there's no story mode or specific goal.

Its best assets -- the branching courses and the grumpy girlfriend -- are almost 20 years old. Even drifting is now ancient. Perhaps a quirky story mode or a more detailed skill-progression system would have elevated OutRun 2 to higher status.

For those willing to spend the time to discover the subtleties of the handling model, lower their record times by milliseconds, attain Triple-A standard in all the mission modes, they will find a game which will satisfy their craving for a good arcade racer for quite some time.

Half the time you might find yourself falling asleep at the wheel, rather than getting too excited about Outrun 2. The first time you pop it in, it looks promising, but beyond the slick veneer there isn't much more to it than those first few minutes of excitement.